Monday, November 2, 2015

Brooklyn, abridged

Our son David is continuing his tour of the most expensive cities in America.  He is now working in Manhattan, and living in the trendy up-and-coming borough of Brooklyn.  

I have to say that it is quite a bit easier and less expensive to get from Rochester, NY to Brooklyn than it was to get to San Francisco.  And David's new apartment is actually large enough so his folks can have his bed while he sleeps on the couch, so for short visits, the hotel bill is appreciably less. 

A month is short, right, Dave?

There is plenty to see an do in Brooklyn.  Part of the fun was figuring out what we could do that would accommodate the soccer injury sustained by David's roomie, Mary.

"I've got it!  How about if we walk all over town!"

"Great idea!!!  Let's go!"

Torturing Mary
But like most Brooklynites, Mary was quite stylish,
even though she was less than 100%.


We went to Smorgasburg on the banks of the East River.
If you can not find something tasty there,
get counseling for your eating disorder.


The food made everyone forget the chilly weather.
The view across the river is pretty great.

But I have to admit I preferred this view.
These are quite possibly be the best donuts I have ever tasted.
It's good I don't live here.


I never suspected raptors did laundry...
and for so many years.

I don't know how much they get for the fleas in here.

Brooklyn graffiti is a cut above most I've seen.
Does this one count if it's a sticker?

Is it graffiti if it is legal?
These guys had a truck and lifts and...
Is it graffiti if it is done by professionals?

Even the paint splashes are artistic in Brooklyn.
I thought this rendition of a long-haired screaming spirit
was appropriate close to Halloween.

Yes, art is everywhere in Brooklyn.
You can't see the name on the tag,
but this piece was named "American Governance"

The line for the Brooklyn Brewery changed our plans.
Geez, it's not like it's Genesee or anything.


We went to the Counting Room instead.
The views of the warped telephone pole were far superior here.
As were the recycled water bottle views.


I can't imagine there being any problems here.

This is David's neighborhood in Brooklyn.
I liked the fact that the little kids on his street were playing outside.
If David ever wants to learn EspaƱol
now is the time.

There was a 3 hour wait at the sit-down part of Roberta's,
so we ordered out and ate at the open air bar next door.

Great fun for all ages!


The subway ride back was a blur.

The next day, we went over to Manhattan.
That's the High Line straight ahead.
It was an abandoned elevated rail line where plants had taken hold.
Now it is a park on a an abandoned elevated rail line where plants have taken hold.


It is pretty and interesting.
One could say, "Pretty interesting."

Only stylish people are allowed on the High Line.
And their photographers, of course.


One of the many attractions on the High Line.

The High Line provides some interesting views.
There is something appealing about strolling along
slightly above the fray of the city.

As I peered over, this pier appeared less useful than its peers.


The High Line is appealing even without the views.

Still time to change the track you're on.
You can also appreciate the congestion from the High Line.
There is not a lot of room out there on the Hudson for those sailboats.


This is where the subway trains get fresh air.

The goldenrod waved goodbye as we left the High Line.

You may want to hold of for a while on going to Manhattan.
It is unfinished.


David said he works behind those little windows way up high.
How can we be sure?  He didn't take us there.
I hope he is not using this as a cover for some deplorable occupation
like Global Investment Banking.

We finished our visit in Bryant Park,
a lovely respite just a block away from Times Square.
I hope David will show us more like this when we return for a month.